Metal splint



Feb. 16, 1937. w. J, SALING 2,070,810

METAL SPLINT Filed Aug. 3, 1956 INVENTORZ P atentecl F el). 16, 1937UNETED STATES PATENT OFFICE 1 Claim.

My splint is to be used in the treatment of forearm fractures in whichthe stylaid process of the ulna bone is broken off. The objects of theimprovement, are, first, to prevent the head of the ulna bone of theforearm from slipping out of its proper position and thus to enable thefracture to heal properly while securely held in place; second, torelieve the pressure ordinarily placed on the lower head of the ulna bythe commonly-used splint, third, to place the maximum pressure on theupper surface of the wrist during immobilization, and fourth, to preventfibrosis or stiffening of the fingers during immobilization, by allowingfull motion in the interphalangeal joints of the hand.

My splint is illustrated in the accompanying drawing, which is a dorsalview. There is the cupping or depression I, so designed as to receivethe prominence of the lower end of the forearm. The lower portion 2 is aflattened continuation of the metal splint, the purpose of which is tocover the dorsal portion of the hand. The entire metal splint A, theshape of which follows the natural contour of the forearm and wrist 4,contains numerous perforations 3, the purpose of which is to provide forventilation and enables a reduction in weight.

When applied to a Colles fracture of the forearm the depression 5receives the prominence of the lower end of the ulna bone, and the lowerportion 2 of my splint fits over the dorsal portion of the hand. Myentire metal splint is designed to fit over the natural contour of thedorsal surface of the forearm and wrist. Once the fractured arm isplaced in my splint, the bandages which are always necessary to hold anysplint in place, will not press on the prominence of the ulna bone,since my special depression or cupping receives this irregular portionof the arm. Thus the wrist is enabled to heal properly while being heldin a natural position and thus what is generally known as flat wrist,which is caused by excessive pressure of the ordinary straight splintand its bandages on the lower head of the ulna bone, is prevented.

The second feature of my splint is that when in position, not only theforearm and wrist are given support and protection but also the dorsalsurface of the hand. Thus protection is afforded down to the metacarpalphalangeal joints and, 10 since my splint fits on the dorsal surface,the movement and motion of the metacarpal phalangeal joints andtheinterphalangea-l joints are not interfered with. This is an importantfactor in preventing fibrosis or stiffening in the fingers 15 followingimmobilization.

My splint may also be used to advantage for fractures of either bone ofthe forearm when the fracture occurs higher upon the arm, by merelyusing a longer splint which still retains 20 the special cupping ordepression which receives the head of the ulna. Since the splint fits onthe dorsal surface of the forearm the fracture higher upon the arm maybe held in place with no fear of undue pressure in the cubital fossa 25when the elbow is flexed. Because of its greater length it gives betterimmobilization and permits the use of this same splint not only fortypical Colles fractures but also for fractures of either bone of theforearm.

I claim:

A metal splint shaped as the natural dorsal contour of the forearm andwrist, which has the special ulna depression or cupping adapted to fitover the head of the ulna bone and which has the lower portion of saidsplint adapted to extend over the dorsal portion of the hand forming aprotective dorsal hand-shield support.

WILLIAM J. SALING.

